Statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicate that teenage marijuana use is rising and overall drug abuse has reached its highest rate in almost a decade. Whether you want to find information about prevention or need to know the facts about rehab, these terms will help you to better understand abuse, addiction and treatment options.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – AA is a group therapy program that operates on the belief that alcoholics must undergo a lifelong process of recovery through the creation of personal bonds, community accountability, and stringent self-assessment. The AA model has expanded to help addicts with different addictions. These branches include Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous.

Intervention – This is a confrontational surprise meeting by the loved ones of a substance abuser, and is moderated by a professional. The addict is given information about the consequences of his or her abuse via personal stories and urged to immediately check into rehab. An intervention cannot result in involuntarily commitment, which must be court-ordered.

Short-Term Rehabilitation – This lasts less than six months and can entail living in a center, receiving medication therapy such as a methadone prescription, or having drug-free outpatient therapy including personal, group and family therapy to promote mental health.

Withdrawal – Psychological withdrawal from abuse that does not result in physical addiction, such as taking ecstasy or smoking marijuana, can include sleep issues, anxiety, disorientation, appetite problems and depression. Withdrawal from physically addictive substance abuse such as severely heavy drinking and habitual heroin use can cause potentially fatal DT’s, tremors, convulsions and a psychotic break from reality. While vital to the detoxification process, withdrawal requires careful execution.

Drug abuse and addiction treatment is available to those with any type of chemical or behavioral dependency. Specific treatment details vary, but most programs are designed to help patients through the early detoxification period, as well as providing them with the skills to cope with any subsequent depression or other emotional issues that may come with giving up their habit. In addition to providing addicts with prescription medications to quell withdrawal symptoms, most programs have a therapy component that will address the root issues behind addictive behavior.
Both in-patient and out-patient rehab centers are open to those who are working through addictions to alcohol, chemical substances, or gambling. Typically, the length of the rehabilitation program will depend on the substance or behavior from which the patient is hoping to be freed. Those who are battling methadone or heroin addiction can expect an intensive 12 month recovery period at the least to sever ties to their problem. Patients who are trying to not to gamble or drink or quit smoking may spend less time in in-patient treatment and more time in group, out-patient recovery.
In addition to the support that is available to patients themselves, information and support is also available to friends and family members of those who abuse substances. Popular addiction treatment facilities will often offer group sessions for those around an abuser, offering them facts about treatment and informational statistics about relapse and recovery rates. Armed with this information, they can aid in the prevention of a relapse, and help improve the health of the ones they love. Whether you or a family member are trying to kick alcohol, drugs or a behavioral problem, in-patient and out-patient treatment centers may be able to provide the support and life skills that are required to end addiction.